In a Telegram post, Kyiv reported that Russia launched 166 drone attacks across multiple regions of Ukraine overnight. Ukrainian forces claimed to have intercepted 90 of the drones. The attacks resulted in the deaths of six civilians and injured ten others. The strikes targeted areas in Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kyiv. Meanwhile, Ukrainian police reported that in the past 24 hours, 42 homes were destroyed in attacks on the Donetsk region. Negotiations between Russia and the United States regarding an end to the war are currently ongoing.

On Thursday at 11 AM, auto-rickshaw owners and drivers staged a protest at the Board Bazar area of the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway in Gazipur. They demanded an end to extortion and the establishment of designated parking areas for CNG-run auto-rickshaws. The demonstration caused a severe traffic jam but was later withdrawn following police assurances. Protesters stated that the lack of designated parking forces them to negotiate fares while driving, leading to risky passenger pickups. They also claimed that minor delays result in harassment from traffic police, including fines and vehicle impoundment. The protesters urged authorities to establish official parking zones for their livelihood.

The Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Police Cadre has promoted 102 officers to the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police. The Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification on Wednesday confirming the promotions. The promoted officers have been instructed to report to the Senior Secretary of the Public Security Division through the appropriate channels. The order takes immediate effect in the public interest.

On Thursday morning, Election Commissioner Masud Abdur Rahman emphasized that the primary focus is on the national parliamentary elections, which the Chief Adviser and other responsible officials have stated will be held by December. He clarified that local elections are not currently under consideration and that no government directives have been issued regarding local election reforms. He also explained that conducting local elections in phases could take up to a year, making it impossible to hold the parliamentary elections within December or January. He further noted that for a December election, the election schedule must be announced by October or November.

Pakistan’s Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar accused India of illegally occupying Jammu and Kashmir during a session at the UN Human Rights Council. In response, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, K. Tyagi, dismissed the claims as baseless and driven by Pakistani military directives. He criticized Pakistan for wasting the UN’s time, labeling it a failed state that survives on international aid. Tyagi further accused Pakistan of severe human rights violations, persecution of minorities, and sheltering UN-designated terrorists, asserting that Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others.

Abrar Faiyaz, a student of BUET and younger brother of the late Abrar Fahad, stated on Facebook that lawyer Shishir Monir has reached out to their family. He mentioned that the High Court’s verdict is expected within 10 to 12 days. He urged people not to engage in debates over guilt or innocence that could influence the trial. Earlier, reports surfaced that Shishir Monir was representing the defense in the high-profile case, sparking controversy. Following the backlash, Shishir Monir has announced he will no longer be handling the case.

At a press conference held at Dhaka University’s Modhur Canteen on Thursday afternoon, the newly formed Bangladesh Democratic Student Parliament announced its leadership structure. A three-member inquiry committee has been formed to investigate whether Wednesday’s events surrounding the organization’s launch were premeditated. Notably, Rifat Rashid is not part of the new central committee. He previously held the position of Senior Joint Secretary but has now resigned. During the press conference, a 205-member convening committee was announced, which includes a significant number of students from universities outside Dhaka University.

During his first cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump claimed that illegal border crossings from Mexico and Canada had declined. However, he announced a 25% tariff on goods from both neighboring countries. The tariff is set to take effect on April 2. Earlier, Trump had issued a stern warning to Canada and Mexico to curb illegal border crossings and the flow of fentanyl, delaying tariff imposition for 30 days—a period set to expire on March 4. Now, he has officially set the date for the new tariffs.

The BNP-backed panel faced a devastating defeat in the Kushtia Bar Association elections. Their candidates for both the President and General Secretary positions lost. Awami League-backed candidate Advocate Md. Harunur Rashid won the presidency, while BNP’s rebel candidate Advocate S.M. Shatil Mahmud secured the General Secretary position. Out of 17 positions, Awami League and rebel candidates secured victories in 11 seats.

The Chief Adviser’s Home Affairs Advisor, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, has dismissed a sub-inspector and a constable for negligence at Gulshan Police Station. During a pre-dawn inspection of four Dhaka police stations, he observed officers displaying laxity in their duties. He emphasized that such lapses create opportunities for crime and vowed to maintain strict oversight.

Speaking at BNP’s extended meeting, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir declared, “We have defeated fascism. We have ousted Sheikh Hasina.” He accused certain groups of conspiring against the democratic transformation envisioned by BNP’s founder, Ziaur Rahman. Fakhrul lamented that despite public hopes for democracy, clear directions remain elusive. He also criticized attempts to rename historical institutions and reiterated BNP’s sacrifices for a liberal democratic Bangladesh.

Desperate for a better life, Pakistani youth like Amir Ali are risking perilous journeys to Europe. After being denied a visa seven times, Ali resorted to illegal migration. Moroccan authorities recently rescued him along with 21 other Pakistanis from a stranded boat near the Atlantic coast. Tragically, out of 50 men who perished from starvation and dehydration, 43 were Pakistani. Ali’s father cited financial hardship as the reason for the journey. Experts argue that migrants seek not only financial security but also a higher standard of living, as similar work in Pakistan pays only $3 compared to $20–$25 in Europe.

At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Pakistan has condemned India’s “illegal occupation” of Jammu and Kashmir and its continued suppression of Kashmiri self-determination. Pakistani Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar highlighted his country’s commitment to human rights, citing over 70 new laws passed in the past decade. He also called for an update on the UN’s Kashmir report and condemned ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza.

A new political party for students, named the National Citizens Party, has been officially announced. The party made the declaration on Thursday, along with the appointment of its top six leaders. Nahid Islam has been named as the Convener, while Akhtar Hossain will serve as the Member Secretary. Nasiruddin Patwari has been appointed as the Chief Coordinator. Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah will lead the northern and southern regions, respectively, as Chief Organizers. Additionally, Shamanta Sharmin has been appointed as the Joint Member Secretary. This leadership committee is expected to remain in place until the national elections. Reports suggest that key frontline activists from the July movement have secured significant positions in the new party, with women also being given important roles.

UN Middle East envoy Sigrid Kaag has warned that the window for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine is closing. Speaking at a conference, she emphasized that peace, security, and dignity in the region depend on this solution. Kaag expressed concern over Israel’s recent military expansion in the West Bank. Meanwhile, US envoy Dorothy Shea reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to fully implementing existing agreements, while also highlighting that Hamas continues to hold 63 hostages, including five Americans. Both US and Israeli representatives insisted that Hamas must be eradicated for lasting peace.